It’s the most wonderful time of the year, according to Andy Williams. But even if the short days and cold nights are getting to you and hibernation looks inviting, there is still a chance to do something that benefits your business and your neighbors as well.

At this time of year, retailers are falling all over themselves to provide the best possible deals on computer hardware and some business-related apps. So if your laptop is getting a bit long in the tooth (read: s—l—o—w), this might be a good time to replace it with a shining, capacious speed demon with a 17-inch screen. How can you justify the extra expense of a wide screen? Easily. Wide spreadsheets are the most obvious use, followed by working with several docs and/or apps open at the same time. Of course, for off-hours and traveling, movies look best on a wide screen.

You also might consider a dedicated server with terminals for your front-end and back-end operations to replace your tired, old desktops. The new connectivity will make your business run more smoothly and efficiently. You might look at an all-in-one printer/fax/copier/scanner that incorporates four functions into the space of a single machine.

True, these suggestions can entail considerable expense, even at bargain prices, but another feature of buying now rather than later is that much of your purchase is deductible from your income tax. See your tax professional for details. How nice of your favorite Uncle to pick up part of the tab.

But what do you do with the stuff you just replaced? Last week it ran your business. Does that make it landfill today? Hardly.

The best thing you can do with your hardware that is functional but no longer needed is to donate it to an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. They will receive equipment they couldn’t afford otherwise that is adequate for their needs, and you receive a tax credit for a charitable donation, again courtesy of your favorite Uncle. See your tax professional for details.

When you make your donation, be sure to include the ancillary equipment that makes your system function: unwanted keyboards, monitors, mice, printers, etc. And before the equipment leaves your possession, be sure to securely erase the hard drive so that no sensitive information shows up on the Internet.

There are many organizations willing to take your cyber-castoffs. Google “computer donation” and you will bring up more than a dozen pages of hits; obviously, some of better quality than others. If you have a pet charity or cause, you will likely find it here.

F’rinstance:

Youth For Technology (youthfortechnology.org) is an organization that puts computers in the hands of disadvantaged communities in developing countries, concentrating in Africa. They will accept Macs or PCs that meet minimum specs.

Computers with Causes (computerswithcauses.org) is another organization that will arrange to receive your equipment and provide receipts for tax purposes.

A national computer donation database can be found at sharetechnology.org, and there is a comprehensive how-to on computer donation at techsoup.org/learningcenter/hardware/page5496.cfm.

One caveat: Be sure you are giving your equipment to someone who will reuse it, rather than recycle it. Reusers will give your equipment a new home, while recyclers will salvage and sell its precious metals.

And be sure to thank your Uncle next April.

Stan Elias writes on business and technology issues and operates Tensor Communications, a West Barnstable-based marketing and communications agency specializing in high-tech companies. He can be reached at
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